Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Nov 10, 1726

Publication Date

:

1875

First Performance

:

Nov 10, 1726

Average_duration

:

14:32

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 98, Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan, BWV 98, in Leipzig in 1726. The cantata was premiered on September 17, 1726, as part of the liturgy of the 14th Sunday after Trinity. The work is structured in six movements and is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and a Baroque orchestra consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The first movement is a chorale fantasia based on the hymn "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan" by Samuel Rodigast. The choir sings the chorale melody in long notes while the orchestra plays a complex and virtuosic accompaniment. The second movement is a recitative for the bass soloist, who reflects on the goodness of God's actions and the trust that believers should have in Him. The third movement is an aria for the soprano soloist, accompanied by the oboes and continuo. The aria is characterized by its joyful and dance-like rhythm, which expresses the confidence and gratitude of the believer. The fourth movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who reminds the listener that God's ways are often mysterious and incomprehensible, but that they are always just and good. The fifth movement is an aria for the alto soloist, accompanied by the violins and continuo. The aria is characterized by its expressive and melancholic melody, which reflects the believer's acceptance of God's will even in difficult times. The final movement is a four-part chorale in which the choir sings the hymn "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan" in a simple and harmonious setting. Overall, Cantata No. 98 is a work of great beauty and complexity, which showcases Bach's mastery of Baroque music. The work is characterized by its rich and varied textures, its expressive melodies, and its profound religious message. Through its six movements, the cantata invites the listener to reflect on the goodness of God's actions and the trust that believers should have in Him, even in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

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